Experimental Activity Analysis: Dr. Brick, Mrs. Clay And Mr. Glass

In our first experimental activity, we had to choose between three new CEO’s who would be the most helpful for our new company. The three CEO’s were Mr. Brick, Mr. Clay and Mr. Glass. These three CEO’s portrayed the three different leadership styles we learned in class; authoritarian, democratic and laissez-faire. The experimental activity analysis started with Professor Knippen presenting three objects to the class. These three objects were a brick, a piece of clay and a wine glass. She handed them out to the class so that we could observe, and touch the objects. While observing them, our task was to think of the qualities each object possessed. Once everyone finished analyzing and touching the objects, Professor Knippen asked us to write both positive, and negative, qualities each object had. The next part was to decide which one portrays the best leadership. When the whole class made their final decision, our discussion about the objects started. The first question Professor Knippen asked was who do we think would be the best leader. The majority of the class, with eleven votes, chose Mr. Clay. The people who voted for Mr. Clay argued that he would be the best leader, because of his flexibility, adaptiveness, creativeness,
In the first case, Mr. Brick represents Authoritarian leadership. Mr. Brick is a leader who likes to have control, be respected by subordinates, and will accomplish his goals. Mr. Brick makes Theory X possible according to Nothouse, “Theory X is made up of three assumptions about human nature and human behavior. These assumptions are: The average person dislikes work and will avoid it if possible, People need to be direct and controlled and People want security, not responsibility“ (85). Mr. Brick represents Theory X, because not only will he direct, and control people, but he will also take the responsibility as the leader for the